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Chosen

Name: Chosen
Director: Jasmin Dizdar
Released: 2016
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

5.3/10

Fair

2016

Director

Jasmin Dizdar

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Chosen offers a nuanced historical perspective by setting its conflict in Romania rather than a typical Western European backdrop. This choice challenges the usual Anglo-Saxon lens often seen in WWII films. The international cast and geographic shift provide a more diverse view of the era's systemic oppression. However, the film sticks to several conventional genre clichés. The central narrative drive follows a male protagonist, aligning with traditional gender roles of the 1940s. This focus on a single male figure for legal ability to act narrows the scope of gender representation. Ultimately, the film succeeds through its thematic focus on resisting institutional corruption. While it lacks explicit LGBTQ+ visibility or disability representation, its critique of totalitarianism provides a meaningful exploration of individual ability to act against systemic harm.

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Category Breakdown

Does Chosen have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not feature any visible LGBTQ+ characters or identities that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight. Given the WWII setting, such themes might be subtle or hidden within the historical context.

How does Chosen portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on a male lawyer, fitting traditional historical portrayals of male legal figures. However, the presence of female characters suggests a more varied cast beyond just the main character.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Chosen?

Fair

Filmed in Romania with an international cast, the movie provides a perspective that goes beyond a purely Anglo-Saxon viewpoint. This shifts the WWII narrative away from a strictly Western focus.

How does Chosen represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques systemic issues by depicting a struggle against the Nazi regime. It explores themes of justice and moral resistance against a monolithic, oppressive power structure.

Does Chosen include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities mentioned in the available narrative details.

Present on Screen

Shifts the WWII historical focus toward a non-Anglo-Saxon, Romanian context.
Features an international ensemble that avoids a purely Western-centric gaze.
Provides a strong thematic critique of totalitarianism and institutional corruption.

Limited or Absent

Relies on traditional gendered roles by centering the plot on a male protagonist.
Lacks visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight characters.
Provides no discernible representation of characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

An unassuming young lawyer leads a fight against the Nazis near the end of the Second World War.

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